The police in Basti, Uttar Pradesh, have filed a First Information Report (FIR) against the organizers of a religious event featuring Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati, citing multiple violations. Allegations include the absence of required permissions, the delivery of incendiary speeches, and non-compliance with COVID-19 safety protocols.
The FIR, registered at the Kotwali police station on April 4, concerns a ‘Sanatan Dharma Samvad’ that took place on March 29 at Government Inter College (GIC) from 11 am to 4 pm. The case is filed under the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules of 2000, as well as various sections of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), specifically sections 223, 271, and 353(2).
The complaint was made by Sub-Inspector Motichand after he conducted an on-site inspection following reports from patrol officers. Prashant Pandey, the state president of the Rashtriya Brahman Mahasabha, is named as the primary organizer and defendant, with another unidentified individual also implicated.
The FIR points out the “violations of COVID-19 protocols,” noting that social distancing measures were not observed despite the large crowd, with few attendees wearing masks and no visible enforcement of preventive measures at the event. The documentation suggests negligence concerning health guidelines issued by the government for public gatherings.
Moreover, the FIR claims that the organizers breached the conditions set forth by the administration when permission was granted. According to police reports, the event did not comply with the mandates outlined in Section 163 of the BNSS, which governs public gatherings.
It also alleges that the speeches made during the event could incite tension between different communities. Furthermore, the use of loudspeakers reportedly exceeded permissible levels, causing disturbances to nearby residents and contravening established noise pollution regulations.
Administrative sources indicated that permission for the event was granted on March 20 by the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) of Sadar, Basti, allowing for an assembly of approximately 2,000 people at the GIC premises. The approval included stringent conditions, mandating compliance with all administrative directives and COVID-19 protocols, warning that any breaches would lead to legal consequences.
In response to the FIR, organizer Prashant Pandey stated to The Indian Express, “We had informed the authorities and secured the necessary permissions for the event with 2,000 attendees… arrangements were made accordingly.”
He further questioned the fairness of the enforcement, stating, “While the event was conducted peacefully, why were such guidelines applied only to us and not to other large rallies happening throughout the state? Are COVID-19 guidelines not applicable to the administration and police present at the event? This action appears biased and seems intended to discourage future events.”
Sub-Inspector Motichand, the officer in charge at Kotwali police station, commented to The Indian Express, “The investigation is still underway, and we will take further actions based on our findings. Currently, no additional details can be disclosed about the case.”
According to police officials, the investigation aims to determine the extent of the violations and establish accountability based on the evidence collected. Sub-Inspector Ajay Singh has been assigned to lead the inquiry.
